Senior Bid Writer

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Senior Bid Writer

Department: Bids

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chelmsford - HQ

Description

Here at Marlborough we are looking for and experienced Senior Bid Writer to join our fantastic team. The Senior Bid Writer will be responsible for the overall quality and content of our bid submissions.

Key Responsibilities

The main aspects of this role include:

• High-quality written responses: consistently producing these to questions in selection questionnaires (SQs) and tenders (ITTs), tailored to show Marlborough in the best possible light, while meeting the client's expectations and evaluation criteria (and answering the question!).
• Interviewing to gain information and content: working with internal/external teams to produce first-class submissions. Most responses will be created from scratch (avoiding 'boilerplate'), using information from interviews with operational staff and other information gleaned from earlier bids / case studies.
• Finalise document style and content: work with bid coordinators to decide presentation styles and formatting of documents. Also proof-read and amend documents produced by others. Ensure all answers are coherent and have the same tone and feel - and we submit a coherent and uniform response.
• Oversee the work of the Bid Writer / Junior Bid Writer / Apprentice Bid Writer: provide direction and make suggestions to improve their submissions.
• Bid research and discussion: at the start of the bid process, ensure that all research and relevant information has been collected to adequately provide a clear direction for the bid to develop.
• Post-bid evaluation: Be involved in all quality aspects of the post-bid (and client's decision) follow-up.

During Tender periods:

• Engage in pre-bid research to build up a clear understanding of the client, their demands and expectations - and how we will address these in our quality answers. Also assess our potential bid rivals.
• Ensure Bid Writer / Junior Bid Writer fully comprehend all quality requirements and can apply pre-bid research, interviews and information to their responses.
• Communicate and work effectively with the Bid Writer, Junior Bid Writer, Bid Director and other members of the Bid Team to produce winning quality bids for submission.
• Ensure that all bid writers build and maintain good working relationships with the rest of the bid team.
• Produce written quality sections for all aspects of the delivery process either from own knowledge, from information gained by interview from the internal teams or relevant information previously gathered on our IT system.
• Meet key subcontractors/suppliers with respect to getting evidence of past jobs and the tender-specific developed solution.
• Attend site visits to gain onsite knowledge and develop case studies. Where this is not possible, hold Teams meetings with the relevant people.
• Research client background and strategies, relaying that information to the Bid Team.
• Attend and contribute to reviews at all key stages of the bid.
• Assist in presentation preparation for both mid-bid presentations and post-submission presentations.

POST TENDER:

• Attend pre- and post-award meetings with clients to assist the operational and commercial handover of the project.
• When required, meet clients on successful and unsuccessful bids to gather feedback on quality. Use this information to continually improve for future tenders.

  BID SETTLEMENT MEETINGS:

Assist with presentation of the project to the senior management team.

BUSINESS CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT:

• Assist with development and maintenance of bid collateral - e.g. case studies, client quotes, staff insights, etc.
• Attend project closeout meetings and produce suitable, bid-specific materials.
• Visit live contracts to review value engineering and current best practice and feedback knowledge into Bid Team and future tenders.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Experience - essential:

• A minimum of seven years' successful bid writing experience, preferably in highways, civil engineering and/or construction.
• Excellent (and demonstrable) writing and presentation skills.
• A good team leader with a personable approach.
• Able to successfully prioritise and resolve multiple priorities with demanding timescales.
• Able to build effective relationships and communicate across a fast-moving business.
• A natural desire to want to continually improve the quality of work.
• Ability to lead by example and assist colleagues, even when time pressures exist.
• Proficient in the use of relevant IT software - SharePoint, Word, Outlook and Teams.

Experience - desirable:

• Bid writing in a highways-specific environment.
• Previously managed and mentored at least one other bid writer.
• Experience of writing in other fields, e.g. journalism, marketing, etc.
• Additional software experience, including Excel, PowerPoint and InDesign.

Qualifications:

• 'A' level in English Literature/Language or equivalent (demonstrable) experience.
• Ideally a graduate with a relevant degree.
• A professional bid (e.g. APMP), marketing (e.g. CIM) or journalism (e.g. NCTJ) qualification would be advantageous.

Benefits

We know people matter. We respect, care and invest in our people, the communities in which we work and our common future. We are open, honest and above all fair.

We take pride in everything we do. We speak positively, deliver quality and act safely. Always.

We have spirit. We promote a positive atmosphere and energy, through inclusivity, brilliant team working and friendships. Driving success so we all win.

We are bold. We are confident, optimistic and trust in our ability. We look forward and are excited about our progressive future.